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Changes to credit and debit card processing fees

Starting June 3, 2025, customers who use a credit or debit card to pay their sewer, stormwater, and water bill will pay a 2.95% processing fee. To avoid this fee, customers can make an electronic payment directly from their bank account. Learn more.

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Portland is a Sanctuary City

Willamette River Recreation: Check the Rec Season Has Begun

News Article
Photo shows a blue sky over the Willamette River with the Marquam Bridge in the background. A person is diving into the river from a dock in the foreground.
As summer approaches and warm weather returns to Portland, so does Check the Rec. From late May through September, Environmental Services tests water quality weekly at popular Willamette River recreation spots.
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Thanks to the Big Pipe Project, which has eliminated almost all combined sewer overflows to the Willamette River, and other water quality investments, the river is now cleaner than it has been in decades. In fact, last year’s water quality testing wrapped up with 100% good results at all monitored locations.

Now in its 13th year, Check the Rec provides updated water quality results every Friday for five locations during the summer:

Even with consistently good results, well under the E. coli bacteria count health standard set by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Services encourages everyone to stay informed. Visit the Check the Rec webpage for current water quality results, river safety tips, and other helpful information.

Before you head to the river, Check the Rec.


Want the weekly results delivered straight to your inbox? 

Sign up for the Check the Rec email bulletin and get water quality updates every Friday all summer long.


About Environmental Services

Environmental Services – the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility – protects public health and the environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city’s wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds.

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